Alcaraz overcomes frustration against Wu to reach US Open fourth round

Carlos Alcaraz reached the US Open round of 16, but the straight-set victory over Yibing Wu included a difficult stretch that left the Spaniard visibly frustrated.

The world No. 3 and second seed defeated the Chinese player 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and 20 minutes. The result gave Alcaraz his 17th consecutive Grand Slam win, following his victories at the most recent Australian Open and last year’s New York tournament.

Wu attacked constantly and forced Alcaraz into a more demanding match than the score suggested. The Chinese player’s aggression also produced 40 unforced errors. Alcaraz dropped serve twice and went seven for 15 on break points, but he served more effectively in the first and third sets, landing 77% and 74% of first serves.

The second set proved the most uncomfortable passage. Alcaraz made 17 unforced errors and four double faults, reacting angrily after errors during a 3-3 exchange of breaks. He recovered at 5-4 by breaking Wu to take the set, then dominated the decider. After saving two break points in the opening game, he did not concede another game after 1-1.

Alcaraz will meet American Tommy Paul in the next round. Paul defeated Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in five sets. The Spaniard’s stronger serving speed and overall progress offered signs of improvement after the wrist injury that sidelined him for more than four months, even as his five service breaks conceded in the tournament already exceed the three he allowed during his 2025 title run.

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I think I stayed there. I played aggressively, I played intelligently, and what I am happiest about is that in the most difficult moments